If you’re craving a vibrant, healthy meal that bursts with flavor and texture, look no further than this Colorful Chicken & Veggie Stir-Fry with Rice Recipe. It’s a delightful mix of tender chicken, crisp veggies, and a perfectly balanced sauce that comes together quickly and easily. Each bite offers a satisfying combination of savory, sweet, and fresh notes, making it an absolute go-to for weeknight dinners or anytime you want something wholesome without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this Colorful Chicken & Veggie Stir-Fry with Rice Recipe lies in its simple yet carefully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a key role: from the protein-packed chicken that keeps things hearty to the rainbow of veggies that provide crunch and nutrients.
- Boneless chicken breast (diced): This lean protein cooks quickly and absorbs flavors beautifully.
- Broccoli florets (1 cup): Adds a fresh, slightly bitter crunch that balances the sweetness in the sauce.
- Red bell pepper (sliced): Brings a juicy sweetness and a pop of vibrant color.
- Yellow bell pepper (sliced): Offers a milder sweetness and brightens up the dish.
- Green beans (1 cup): Adds a fantastic snap and complementing earthiness.
- Olive oil or sesame oil (2 tablespoons): Essential for stir-frying and contributes a subtle aromatic note.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Infuses the stir-fry with its unmistakable savory depth.
- Soy sauce (3 tablespoons): Provides that signature umami flavor essential in any stir-fry.
- Honey or maple syrup (1 tablespoon): Balances salty with a touch of natural sweetness.
- Cooked brown rice: The hearty base that soaks up every bit of the delicious sauce.
How to Make Colorful Chicken & Veggie Stir-Fry with Rice Recipe
Step 1: Heat the oil
Start by warming the olive or sesame oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. This sets the stage for a quick, even cook and helps seal in the flavors of your ingredients.
Step 2: Cook the chicken
Add the diced chicken to the hot pan and sauté until it turns golden brown and is cooked through, which should take about 5 to 7 minutes. Once done, remove it from the pan to keep it juicy and tender while you work on the veggies.
Step 3: Stir-fry the vegetables
Using the same pan, toss in the broccoli florets, red and yellow bell peppers, and green beans. Stir-fry them for about 4 to 5 minutes until they’re tender but still have a crisp bite — this keeps the dish fresh and vibrant.
Step 4: Build flavor with garlic and sauce
Mix in the minced garlic, allowing it to become fragrant. Then stir in the soy sauce and your chosen sweetener, either honey or maple syrup. The garlic and sauce blend creates the perfect balance of savory and sweet that defines this stir-fry.
Step 5: Combine chicken and veggies
Return the cooked chicken to the pan and toss everything together. Let it heat through for an additional minute so all those flavors can marry beautifully.
Step 6: Serve over rice
Plate your colorful stir-fry over warm brown rice, making sure to scoop up plenty of sauce with every serving. It’s comfort food with a fresh twist, ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Colorful Chicken & Veggie Stir-Fry with Rice Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes like a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or freshly chopped green onions elevates both the look and taste. These add subtle texture and bursts of flavor that make the dish feel extra special.
Side Dishes
While the stir-fry and rice are complete on their own, pairing them with a light cucumber salad or a side of steamed edamame can bring refreshing contrast and balance to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a playful twist, try serving the stir-fry in lettuce wraps for a fun handheld option, or scoop it into colorful bell pepper “boats” that add a delightful crunch and visual appeal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from your Colorful Chicken & Veggie Stir-Fry with Rice Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This will keep the chicken juicy and the veggies crisp enough for a tasty second serving.
Freezing
You can freeze leftovers for up to 1 month. It’s best to freeze the stir-fry separately from the rice to maintain texture. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
Reheat the stir-fry gently in a skillet over medium heat to avoid overcooking the vegetables. Microwave works too—just add a splash of water and cover to keep everything moist and delicious.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great option if you prefer a juicier, more flavorful meat. Just adjust the cooking time slightly since thighs tend to cook a bit faster.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the chicken for tofu or tempeh and use vegetable broth or water instead of soy sauce with fish ingredients if needed. The colorful veggies will shine in this version too.
What kind of rice works best with this stir-fry?
Brown rice is a perfect match thanks to its nutty flavor and chewy texture. However, white jasmine or basmati rice are delicious alternatives if you prefer a lighter side.
Can I prepare any parts of the stir-fry ahead of time?
Chopping the vegetables and marinating the chicken ahead can save you time on busy days. Just keep everything refrigerated until you’re ready to cook.
How spicy is this dish? Can I add heat?
This particular recipe isn’t spicy by default but feel free to add a dash of chili flakes, fresh sliced chili, or even a drizzle of sriracha to fire it up to your liking.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting and exciting about the Colorful Chicken & Veggie Stir-Fry with Rice Recipe that keeps me coming back for more. The combination of fresh vegetables, tender chicken, and that signature sauce makes it a dish you can easily fall in love with. Give this recipe a try, and I promise it will brighten up your dinner table and your day!
Print
Colorful Chicken & Veggie Stir-Fry with Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A vibrant and healthy chicken and vegetable stir-fry featuring colorful bell peppers, broccoli, and green beans, cooked with a savory-sweet soy sauce glaze and served over warm brown rice. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for a nutritious weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Protein
- 1 boneless chicken breast, diced
Vegetables
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup green beans
Sauce and Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
Serving
- Cooked brown rice for serving
Instructions
- Heat the oil: Heat oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat to prepare for stir-frying.
- Sauté chicken: Add the diced chicken to the hot pan and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
- Cook the vegetables: In the same pan, stir-fry the broccoli florets, red and yellow bell peppers, and green beans until they are tender-crisp, roughly 4-5 minutes.
- Add aromatics and sauce: Add the minced garlic to the vegetables and stir it in. Then add the soy sauce, honey or maple syrup, and rice vinegar to create the glaze.
- Combine chicken and veggies: Return the cooked chicken to the pan and toss all ingredients together. Heat through for an additional minute to meld the flavors.
- Serve: Serve the colorful chicken and veggie stir-fry over warm brown rice and garnish as desired.
Notes
- You can substitute the chicken breast with tofu or shrimp for a different protein.
- Adjust the honey or maple syrup quantity to control sweetness.
- Use gluten-free soy sauce if you need to keep the recipe gluten-free.
- Add chili flakes or fresh ginger for extra heat and flavor.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
